Description Preview
A critical vulnerability (CVE-2023-20273) exists in the web UI feature of Cisco IOS XE Software that allows authenticated remote attackers to inject operating system commands with root privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the web UI interface, enabling attackers to send crafted input that can execute commands on the underlying operating system with elevated privileges.
Overview
This vulnerability (CVE-2023-20273) is classified as a CWE-78 (OS Command Injection) issue in Cisco IOS XE Software's web UI feature. The flaw allows authenticated remote attackers to bypass normal privilege restrictions and execute commands with root-level access on affected devices. The attack requires authentication to the web UI interface but can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability exists because the web UI feature fails to properly validate user input before passing it to the underlying operating system, allowing command injection attacks.
Remediation
- Update to the latest version of Cisco IOS XE Software that contains patches for this vulnerability.
- If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling the web UI feature until the update can be applied.
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the web UI interface.
- Monitor system logs for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.
- Follow Cisco's security best practices for device hardening.
- Refer to the Cisco Security Advisory (cisco-sa-iosxe-webui-privesc-j22SaA4z) for specific patch information and additional mitigation strategies.
References
- Cisco Security Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iosxe-webui-privesc-j22SaA4z
- MITRE CWE-78 (OS Command Injection): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/78.html
- National Vulnerability Database (NVD): https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-20273
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Medium
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Medium
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Medium
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
